Best Book Series for Early Readers

When kids graduate from picture books to chapter books, it's a great moment. Here's a list of some of our favorite books for early readers -- they all have engaging stories and relatable characters to help make the chapter-book transition easier. Some, like Poppleton, work for either read-alone or read-aloud, helping kids get used to plot and chapter structure. For more surefire picks, check out our Best Book Series and Graphic Novels lists, and get tips on how to encourage and support young readers.

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A Is for Amber Series Poster Image
BOOK

A Is for Amber Series

age 4+

Amber's adventures have great messages for young readers.

By: Paula Danziger (2001)
Charlie & Mouse, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Charlie & Mouse, Book 1

age 4+

Charming early reader about two adorable brothers.

By: Laurel Snyder (2017)
Cornbread & Poppy Poster Image
BOOK

Cornbread & Poppy, Book 1

age 4+

Friendship tale is full of suspense and surprises.

By: Matthew Cordell (2022)
Interrupting Chicken, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Interrupting Chicken, Book 1

age 4+

Funny award-winning book imparts gentle manners lesson.

By: David Ezra Stein (2010)
Poppleton Series Poster Image
BOOK

Poppleton Series

age 4+

Kindly pig has adventures with friends in gentle tales.

By: Cynthia Rylant (2016)
Henry and Mudge Series Poster Image
BOOK

Henry and Mudge Series

age 5+

Simple, sweet stories about a boy and his beloved dog.

By: Cynthia Rylant (1987)
Hey Jack! Series Poster Image
BOOK

Hey Jack! Series

age 5+

Kind boy and sweet stories are great for new readers.

By: Sally Rippin (2013)
Katie Woo Series Poster Image
BOOK

Katie Woo Series

age 5+

Relatable stories in short chapters have good life lessons.

By: Fran Manushkin (2011)
The Kingdom of Wrenly Series Poster Image
BOOK

The Kingdom of Wrenly Series

age 5+

Fun adventures of prince and friend in magical kingdom.

By: Jordan Quinn (2014)
Mercy Watson to the Rescue: Mercy Watson, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Mercy Watson to the Rescue: Mercy Watson, Book 1

age 5+

Funny, silly pig story great for early readers.

By: Kate DiCamillo (2005)
The Princess in Black Poster Image
BOOK

The Princess in Black

age 5+

Fun tale of monster-fighting princess who leads double life.

By: Shannon Hale , Dean Hale (2014)
Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe Series Poster Image
BOOK

Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe Series

age 5+

Irreverent twists on fairy tales keep new readers guessing.

By: Noah Z. Jones (2014)
Rainbow Magic Series Poster Image
BOOK

Rainbow Magic Series

age 5+

Friends' fairy adventures are fun intro to fantasy.

By: Daisy Meadows (2005)
Yasmin in Charge Poster Image
BOOK

Yasmin in Charge

age 5+

Problem-solving girl shares her culture in sweet stories.

By: Saadia Faruqi (2019)
Young boy running happily
BOOK

Zapato Power Series

age 5+

Young boy solves fun mysteries with help from special shoes.

By: Jacqueline Jules (2011)
Zelda and Ivy Series Poster Image
BOOK

Zelda and Ivy Series

age 5+

Fun adventures of fox sisters with wild imaginations.

A to Z Mysteries Series Poster Image
BOOK

A to Z Mysteries Series

age 6+

Good-hearted kids solve mysteries in fun, short chapters.

By: Ron Roy (1997)
Ada Lace Series Poster Image
BOOK

Ada Lace Series

age 6+

Third-grader uses science to solve problems and mysteries.

By: Emily Calandrelli (2017)
The Adventures of Sophie Mouse Series Poster Image
BOOK

The Adventures of Sophie Mouse Series

age 6+

Cheerful stories about animal friends' kindness and honesty.

By: Poppy Green (2015)
Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish Poster Image
BOOK

Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish

age 6+

Engaging story focuses on kindness, managing insecurities.

By: Carter Higgins (2021)